Super Newb! Power inverter questions...

**revillusions** · 01-01-2007, 09:42 AM

This is my first post here guys so be patient with me

I have been trolling on this forum for the past few weeks and have picked up a used car pc on ebay as of recently.

The pc I purchased is a unit from Logisys , the LG-SP450.
https://logisysus.ourinternet.us/cat...roducts_id=314

This unit looks simliar if not identicle to one offered from Xenarc. Might also be a relabled Sumicom unit.

It came with a Celeron 2.0 processor and no power supply adapter. Being very new to the whole car pc, no wait...new to computers in general, I tried here first to look for options. I was originally going to install a power invertor, but saw there would be issues when starting or shutting down the car. After searching the multiple threads, I saw many people using the OPUS PSU. Naturally, I went ahead and started to source this part out. When my car pc finally arrived, I realized it was a regular AC/DC power source. So it looks like I will be going back to the power inverter setup and manually switching off the computer during short trip drives, unless there is another alternative.

Hope someone can point me out in the right direction.

Thanks in advanced for the help!

- Jerry

Xenarc SC3
Intel Pentium 4 2.0 Processor
Hitachi Travelstar 2.5 Hard Drive
Panasonic UJ-845-B Slot-In 8X DVD±RW/RAM DRIVE

**DarquePervert** · 01-01-2007, 10:11 AM

http://store.mp3car.com/ProductDetai...Code=PWR%2D012

**RedGTiVR6** · 01-01-2007, 01:24 PM

**revillusions** · 01-01-2007, 08:59 PM

thanks for the link, but how does it hook up to the Logisys pc in the back? I dont see a ac adapter cord...looks like it hooks up internally.

**DarquePervert** · 01-01-2007, 09:24 PM

Splice a connector onto the wires coming from the Carnetix unit.

You don't see any AC adapter cord because there isn't one. That's a DC power supply that supplies DC power. No AC involved, which makes the whole power setup more efficient as well as generate less heat and EMI.

**revillusions** · 01-01-2007, 09:49 PM

Thanks!!!! umm...errr Pervert...

Would this be true to the OPUS unit as well?

**DarquePervert** · 01-01-2007, 10:32 PM

No.
The Opus unit is ATX-compatible and connects directly to the motherboard.

You really should do some reading in the FAQ section, as all of this information is there for you to find without having to wait for some kindhearted soul to reply to your postings.

**revillusions** · 01-02-2007, 06:22 AM

Thanks again for the reply. As I stated before, I am very new to computers in general. I had been reading many posts, however, I dont understand a lot of things people are referring to!

For instance, I understand the OPUS unit is made for ATX compatible mobos, but I dont know if my mobo is an ATX!!I have read the systems specs page on my pc, but they never state what kind of mobo it is.

**DarquePervert** · 01-02-2007, 08:19 AM

If you intend on putting a computer in your ride, I highly suggest you learn a thing or five about them. Assembly, troubleshooting, standards, power usage, etc. are all important to know.
I'm not saying you need to run out and get A+ certified or anything like that. I general understanding of the PC and how it works, what the components are, how they connect and interoperate and so on.

This is a hobby where knowledge and experience actually count for something.

It would also be a good idea to learn about the system you intend to use. If it's an off-the-shelf-motherboard, then it's probably ATX-compatible, and will work with an Opus or other ATX-compatible DC-DC PSU.

Judging from the link in your first post, it's likely NOT ATX-compliant, considering that it requires 12v input. An ATX power connector supplies multiple voltages (12v, 5v & 3.3v). I'm willing to bet it's similar to the Commell industrial motherboards that require a single 12v input.

**revillusions** · 01-02-2007, 12:55 PM

Thanks again for the quick and informative responses. I am trying to learn as I go along. I have a few tech heads around me and a fellow mp3car member as well. Hope fully my next post will be in the show off your car threads.

thanks again!

- Jerry